The weather (and let's be real, the vibes) outside might be a bit frightful, but do you know what is so delightful? This year's selection of holiday hair trends. Every winter there's an emphasis on cozying up while enjoying the holiday festivities, and the biggest hair trend this year reflect this. Some of fall's trendiest hits—like pretty updos and flipped bobs—are sticking around, while cool braided styles and retro silhouettes are having a moment just in time for party season. While seasonal bows will always be popular, minimal accessories and sophisticated but easy to style looks emphasize the less-is-more vibe that's been brewing all year.
We've put together all the prettiest 2024 holiday hair trends to copy this season, so scroll on and get ready to bookmark this list for every party on your list.
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Prom Queen Updos
Prom queen hairstyles have been bubbling under the surface as a red carpet trend throughout the year, and we'd wager it'll continue into party season. The vibe is exactly what it sounds: Think of a classic '90s curled updo topped with a sparkly accessory—Lana Del Rey opted for a pretty butterfly. The look has been co-signed by Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid, and Del Rey, and would pair so well with a holiday dress for a fancier occasion.
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'90s Layers
On the other hand, the less-is-more effect is still going strong across fashion and beauty, with stars continuously going back to simple '90s layers and bouncy blowouts for big events. Of course, Jennifer Aniston always rocks this look, but with Olivia Rodrigo's Gen-Z co-sign, the hairstyle is a certified hit for winter. It always looks so put-together and you can dress-it-up this season with barrettes, ribbons, and sparkly accessories.
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Braided Topknots
Classic ballerina buns are in the trend cycle again, but if you're looking to switch things up a bit, may we offer you a fun holiday update: Hairstylist Danielle Priano crafted this braided top knot on Melissa Barrera, wrapping the bun with lots of braids for a touch of cool texture. The braided detail gives a bit of party-girl edge to the preppy style, and we'll be using it to spice up our buns throughout the festive season.
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Glam Side Parts
Elevating a simple blowout is easy: just toss your hair in a dramatic side part. First came the skinny jean revival, now side parts are back, and Millennials all over have a right to say "I told you so!" Nevertheless, the side part has been co-signed by just about every celebrity, but Mikey Madison's take on the silhouette is so easy to copy for a little old Hollywood flair.
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Fluffy Curls
From party-ready waves to disco curls, voluminous wavy and curly styles are having a moment. Charli XCX's "brat hair" revived the messy style this summer during, and Ayo Edibiri's fluffy '70s curls at the Academy Museum Gala proved the hairstyle would take us into fall. Weather you're heading to an office party or a rave, "imperfect" curls add a carefree vibe to any look.
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Flippy Bobs
The flippy bob is here to stay and the proof is in the red carpet. Kim Kardashian recently tried on the cut, and Selena Gomez her own take at the Academy Museum Gala. It's sleek, easy to style (just curl up the ends and spray with hairspray) and always makes an entrance.
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Sophisticated Buns
The ballerina bun is back, but not how you might think. It's been a go-to for Ariana Grande throughout her Wicked press tour, and Sofia Richie put a modern take on the style at the Academy Museum Gala: Her tightly-knotted bun featured a cool sculptural shape which gave it a bit of edge. Slicked-back side-parts and spiky twists also add a fun element to the sometimes serious silhouette.
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Intricate Braids
Have you heard of the "braided baldie"? The protective style is currently taking over our TikTok feeds, and for good reason. It lets you fake a short haircut with intricate braids close to your head, and we'd wager the trend will be a hit this winter. Braider Kaisha Beckles previously told Byrdie that the style can be shpaed in zig-zags, flowers, or even hearts for a touch of personal flair.
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French Barettes
This winter, classic barrettes are back in the spotlight, offering an alternative to bows, clips, and headbands. The centerpiece to Lana Del Rey's pretty updo at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards was a butterfly clip that added her iconic coquette aesthetic to the hairstyle, proving how the minimal accessory can have a big impact. Emi Jay has a handful of styles in sleek tortoiseshell and creamy vanilla shades that are covered in festive sequins and girly designs.
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Sleek Ponys
The most underrated hairstyle this winter? The sleek pony. Don't discount the sporty style's chic feel: With a little curl or wave, the look has major Holiday Barbie energy. Selena Gomez co-signed style at the London Film Festival, and Bridgerton actor Simone Ashley's take on a slicked-back pony is great minimalist inspiration.
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Fluffy Bangs
The bang brigade is here: From Bella Hadid to Jennifer Lawrence, the controversial chop is catching back up after taking a backseat to the bob revival this fall. Brigitte Bardot-esque bangs with lots of fringe and fluff radiate a French effortlessness that keeps us coming back to the style. Pair it with a headband for a retro feel at your next holiday soirée.